Archives of real estate blog entries for December 22, 2009

Featured blog posts


Merry Christmas, Jordan Blackshear! - 12:31 PM
Got this in my e-mail today:

 
My name is Rick Blackshear in Griffin, GA. My son, Jordan Blackshear is currently serving with the HHC 2 /121 United States Army in Afghanistan- Operation Enduring Freedom. We are so very proud of Jordan and the bravery he and his unit display on a daily basis.
He will not be coming home for Christmas this year, and I want him to know that even though he is far away, he is not forgotten.
If you could kindly send Jordan a short email and express your appreciation for the work he is … (59 comments)

The Quick and Expected Climb to 6% Mortgage Rates (How To Stay Dry When The Fed Throws Water At You) - 11:57 PM
Mortgage rates have been steadily climbing, from a low of 4.5% around November 27, 2009 to above 5% on December 22, 2009.  For the past two months I've been warning that this will eventually happen. It's not because the economy is recovering; it isn't recovering.  The reason mortgage rates will rise to 6% or above, soomer rather than later is because that is the "natural" market.
About a year ago, The Federal Reserve announced a $1.25 Trillion mortgage rates subsidy,by purchasing mortgage-backed securities in the open market, through March, 2010.  Right before that subsidy was announced, mortgage rates were at or … (96 comments)

That Golden Ticket... - 09:38 PM
Ahhh, come on.  Isn't there a part of you, of yours, who wants to find that majestic freedom and luxury in one package you open, one decision you make, one deed you do?
At times, I feel I live a sheltered life.  For the first time, I watched (most of it, I was inspired 3/4 the way through and started to write) the 1971 Film, "Willy Wonka & The Chocalate Factory".  While I don't eat sweets, what an ethical trip down "what we should be about lane".  Charlie Bucket's character bucks the conventional system of born wealth, greed, laziness and sitting around growing … (39 comments)

When Will Real Estate Values Begin to Appreciate Again? - 09:26 PM
When will the nation's property values begin to appreciate again?
 This is the $64,000 question that real estate professionals, investors, and mortgage professionals would like to know. The truth is nobody can accurately predict the return of the real estate market.  Like everyone else, I can't predict the end of this crisis either, but what I can do is tell you what will have to happen to facilitate that change. The answer is quite simple: America must reinvest in herself once again. Without an investment, real estate is as worthless as the Dollar is today.
Think back, or read a history … (36 comments)

You Scratch My Back, I'll Scratch Yours - 11:17 AM
There are some agents who think that the real estate business is still run like "old school".
Oh come on, you know what I'm talking about! "You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours". If you brought a lot of business to a loan officer, they might go out of their way to get a loan funded earlier on your transaction. Same deal with the banks. If a loan officer brought in a lot of business, he/she might have carte blanc and get their files placed ahead of someone else's.
Agents loved being able to tell their clients "I have a great … (51 comments)

Kitchen Islands - New Home Trends and Ideas - 06:07 AM
New Homes Raleigh NC
Kitchen Island Styles New Home Trends and Ideas for the Kitchen
 
A kitchen island can be an integral part of your new home kitchen design.  When designed correctly, a kitchen island can work well in an extra large or extra small kitchen.
Islands can be accessed from all sides, which makes them ideal for both workspaces and storage.
A kitchen island can feature display shelves, drawers, and cabinetry. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Kitchen islands can be a beautiful feature in luxury homes or affordable custom homes. 
The style, size, and design depend on … (24 comments)

Google Groups - Helping Users Connect with People and Communities - 09:16 PM
Google Groups - Create Discussion Opportunities with your Niche or Community
In researching some of the many tools that Google offers Web Based Business users, (over 45 tools) I discovered that Google Groups might be a great service for you, your business, and possibly your niche's or communities.  Some of the features are very powerful, and the SEO within Google Groups is very good. I tested it out by creating a Real Estate Technology Group and already have 3 discussions showing up on the first page of a search within Google Groups.
If you Can't Beat em, Then Join em
One … (54 comments)

NOTE TO NEW SHORT-SALE AGENTS: YOU NEED TO LET ME DO MY JOB! - 10:31 PM
To those of you listing short-sales, please do yourself and your clients a favor and let me do my job!  Okay, so you may not have been doing this long, so let me enlighten you ... if you are trying to negotiate a short-sale the bank will want several interior BPOs done!
I know, it may be annoying to keep coming to the property and let us in or tell the seller that they need to let yet another body through the house to take photos during this holiday season BUT, if you don't do it, the bank may not approve your … (51 comments)

Log Blog--No Money for Christmas??? Try this on for size... - 12:49 PM
I posted this earlier today and got some great responses!  I know that blogs can get buried fairly quick...but truly wanted to to hear more from the ActiveRain community.  Read on...

Here we are...just days before Christmas and I haven't started my Christmas shopping.  Not because of lack of desire or lack of time...just because of lack of money.  It's the first year where I haven't had the means to give the presents I want to give.  I have fought back the tears many times and feelings of despair wishing things could be different...but they are not. 

 


… (111 comments)

I'm Turning 50,000 Here In The Rain! - 10:06 AM

Hey, I look pretty hot for 50,000 huh?
50,000 is not a lot to some, but for me it's a milestone. Never thought I would get this far really. I truly didn't think AR would work for me. I had that, "if it's too good to be true, it probably is mentality". I couldn't be more wrong! And in this case, being wrong never made me so happy!
Since joining on October 8th, 2009, I've had 8 referrals from the Rain and this past Sunday, with all the snow, received my 9th one. Now that shocked me.
Just as important, … (113 comments)

"Call Listing Agent for EASY SHOWING INSTRUCTIONS" !!!!! - 12:35 PM
I guess there is a language barrier because I'm from England. I am finding myself more and more confused when I read certain things that some Realtors write in their listings, because the reality seems to be so far from their description, that they must be speaking a different language.
The most common case in point is the infamous "Call Listing Agent for EASY SHOWING INSTRUCTIONS" !
 
I am fortunate to still have activity with some buyers at this time of year, and for the last week had a good amount of showings to schedule. But when I went to … (132 comments)

My Blog Log - More Than Just A Pretty Face - 07:12 AM

 
I am sure while perusing your way around various blogs at Active Rain and maybe a few other places around the net you have noticed the MyBlogLog widget with everyones smiling faces.
Of course most people realize when they look at this widget you can tell who has been to your site to read your blog or to possibly just spy on what you are doing...wink wink.
On a few occasions I have had the opportunity to yuck it up with Brad Andersohn about this technology. What is comical is that we both have the same feelings about the … (123 comments)


Blog posts


Who are you Accountable to? - 03:42 PM
Who are you accountable to? Most Real Estate agents aren't accountable to anyone. And therein lies the challenge. When we have no accountability, most of us are likely to skip the difficult, but important, activities that can help our business the most. Here is an example that I frequently see with my clients. An agent wants to stay personally connected to their past clients, but they don't pick up the phone. As a result, they get less business and referrals. With no accountability, they stay stuck and don't realize the increased income that they are fully capable of achieving. When they … (3 comments)

Questions to Ask an agent Interested in Selling Your Hemet - San Jacinto CA Home - 12:56 PM
Questions to Ask an agent Interested in Selling Your Hemet - San Jacinto CA Home
When considering the sale of your Hemet - San Jacinto Valley, CA home you should Interview at least three local agents who sell homes in your community. Ask them about the following:
Home Value. The agents should inspect the home and prepare a written Comparative Market Analysis, or CMA.  The report will cover similar homes to yours based on age, size, features and location.  The other homes considered will include Active MLS Listings, Sold MLS Listings in the last 3 months and Pending MLS Listings to … (4 comments)

2010 - Time to SHIFT Gears - 10:02 PM
2010 - Time to SHIFT GearsWhen I first was licensed to sell real estate in California I was blessed to receive a copy of Gary Keller's then new book "The Millionaire Real Estate Agent".  Since I got into this business in an unusual way, I did not have a mentor guiding my path or anyone else looking out for me - I knew if it was "going to be that it was up to ME!".Well, thanks to the advice I learned early on, I formed the Excellence in Real Estate Team and have not looked back.  My first full year, thanks … (17 comments)

Where is the REO market heading into 2010? - 10:53 PM
As I sit in my home office in the last few days of 2009 it is easy to look back and see what a great year I have had, while so many others have suffered and lost so much.There go I but for the grace of God...Well, the end is not as good as the beginning - business has systematically been reduced since June to the point where new listings crawl onto the MLS - usually overpriced.  Right now 4 of my 5 escrows are either being renegotiated or have been renegotiated because of low appraisals.  Where I was being assigned … (2 comments)

Short Sale Flips: EVIL PROFITS or CRITICAL TO ECONOMIC RECOVERY? - 11:04 PM
Profit - It may be a dirty word in the current economic cycle we are in and with the administration we have running things in both Sacramento and Washington - but by God, Capitalism is what really made this country strong and great.I for one do not get up in the morning to see how much deeper in debt I can go but how much wealth I can accumulate...then what i do with that wealth is up to me.  If I want to help the needy - that is my decision.  If I want to live large - than that is … (2 comments)

California Association of Realtors Response to HVCC - 01:09 PM
Today the California Association of Realtors suggested that if there are problems with appraisals under HVCC Realtors and their clients file complaints with the California Office of Real Estate Appraisers.  As of January 1, 2010 the Office of Real Estate Appraisers will have authority over the Appraisal Management Companies.
So if your appraiser is inexperienced, out of the area, or something is not quite right file a complaint.  It can be completed anonymously, but you may have to come forward if your testimony is needed in legal proceedings.
I know there are a number of fine appraisers out there.  Do not … (0 comments)

Selling a Luxury Home - Part 6 - The Team - The Stager - 01:58 PM
Selling a Luxury Home - Part 6 - The Team - The Stager
This is Part 6 in a Series. You may wish to look at the other parts first:
Selling a Luxury Home - Part 1 - Defined
Selling a Luxury Home - Part 2 - A State of Mind
Selling a Luxury Home - Part 3 - Make a Plan
Selling a Luxury Home - Part 4 - The Team - Home Inspector
Selling a Luxury Home - Part 5 - The Team - The Termite Inspector
At this point someone is thinking that their home looks just fine, … (0 comments)

Selling a Luxury Home - Part 7 - The Team - Putting it together - 04:55 PM
Selling a Luxury Home - Part 7 - The Team - Putting it together
This is Part 7 in a Series. You may wish to look at the other parts first:
Selling a Luxury Home - Part 1 - Defined
Selling a Luxury Home - Part 2 - A State of Mind
Selling a Luxury Home - Part 3 - Make a Plan
Selling a Luxury Home - Part 4 - The Team - Home Inspector
Selling a Luxury Home - Part 5 - The Team - The Termite Inspector
Selling a Luxury Home - Part 6 - The Team - … (0 comments)

CHARLIE CRIST FINALLY AGREES TO DEBATE RUBIO - 04:40 PM

After missing his appointment with me last Friday, Florida Governor, Charlie Crist did show up today for my exclusive interview with him. You can listen to the whole thing RIGHT HERE. Overall the Governor confirmed that he still thinks he was right to take the stimulus money; tried to take the Conservative ground from his rival, former Florida Speaker Marco Rubio and told us how he was optimistic that SunRail was going to make a profit (I had a laugh over that one!).
But perhaps the biggest surprise is that when I challenged him to debate Rubio on a special … (8 comments)

Short Sales - Fort Worth, TX - 03:07 PM
If you're facing the possibility of foreclosure in or around Fort Worth, TX, please know that there are alternatives. First and foremost, I always suggest that you communicate with your lender. Ignoring their phone calls and contacts will only make matters worse. You won't "slip through the cracks" by avoiding them.
If your income has declined, you may be eligable for payment reductions. This is information your lender can provide to you. If that's not an option, your next best bet would be to attempt a short sale. This is a process where you work with the lender and try to … (0 comments)

Home Warranties - Protect Your Clients! - 03:12 PM
A client of mine who purchased a home in August emailed me a few days ago to let me know how grateful he was to have received a home warranty. Although he had his home inspected before purchasing it, it sat vacant for several weeks over the summer before he moved in. During his first few days in the house, his A/C went out and his pilot light went out on the water heater and he could not get it relit. He called American Home Shield and was able to get them out to make the repairs.
A few weeks ago, … (2 comments)

Pearland TX: DECEMBER-2009 Newsletter by Danny Frank - 09:25 PM
DECEMBER-2009 Newsletter Housing Trends eNewsletter
Welcome to the most current Housing Trends eNewsletter. This eNewsletter is specially designed for you, with national and local housing information that you may find useful whether you're in the market for a home, thinking about selling your home, or just interested in homeowner issues in general.Please click on this link to view the DECEMBER-2009 Newsletter Housing Trends eNewsletter:http://danfrank.housingtrendsenewsletter.com?Newsletter_ID=238&Period_ID=180The Housing Trends eNewsletter contains the latest information from the National Association of REALTORS®, the U.S. Census Bureau, Realtor.org reports and other sources.It also includes press releases with charts and videos, key market indicators and real estate … (0 comments)

Sometimes its all worthwhile! - 06:11 PM
Today I received a wonderful fresh fruit creation from Edible Arrangements, located right here in Warwick, RI.
I have been fighting a bad cold all week and the arrival of this basket was very welcome. The person who sent me the basket was not a relative, but rather a now "friend" whom I had met online a little over a year ago.
This person was looking for a home. A first time home buyer (as everyone who knows me knows, they are my favorite kind of buyer:)
For some unlucky reason, every single home we made an offer on, fell through. It seemed … (24 comments)

Forget the Snow...Live in a Condo! - 02:48 PM
It began Friday night and continued all day Saturday. I was doing my best to keep up with the 20+" history-making''  snowfall Baltimore was about to receive. Shoveling the steps a couple of times on Saturday got me a bit ahead. But then awakening Sunday morning to the absolute beauty of almost two feet of this magnificent whiteness was breathtaking. So again, I went out do the steps so I could bring Lee the newspaper. Then I spent almost two hours with the snow blower doing our driveway – I was not going to quit until the whole darn thing was done!

… (28 comments)

30+ New foreclosure listings in Birmingham Alabama for 12/22/09 - 07:43 AM
30+ New foreclosure listings in Birmingham Alabama for 12/22/09. Good Tuesday Morning Birmingham Real Estate friends and investors. There are 30+ foreclosures waiting for you in the following cities/areas: Birmingham, Center Point, Leeds, Eastlake, Woodlawn, Irondale, Homewood, Hoover, Vincent, Bessemer, Pelham, Helena, Calera, McCalla, Lakeview, and Ensley.
If you would like to schedule a showing or get more information on any of these homes, please let me know. Also if you would like a tailored foreclosure list for your investment needs, please let me know!!
23 new listings:
http://bhammls.net/BAARReports/ListitLib/show_report.aspx?ID=US11602188
12 New price changes:
http://bhammls.net/BAARReports/ListitLib/show_report.aspx?ID=US11602189
Gusty Gulas is a Realtor with RealtySouth in … (0 comments)

7713 JAFFA DR, ORLANDO FL 32835 - 10:59 AM
 
MLS#  O4952123             7713 JAFFA DR, ORLANDO FL 32835      $$$ 105,000 $$$

Purchase this property for as little as 3 percent down! This property is approved for HomePath Mortgage and HomePath Renovation Mortgage. Bright, airy and spacioud home. Vaulted ceilings, lots of space, 2 car garage, this home has it all! Come see it today before it is gone! *If exact square footage or room size is a concern, unit should be independently measured.
For the latest status on this property and many more like it in Orlando, contact Steve Glose with Keller Williams Realty direct at 407-616-7286 or visit www.thefloridalivingteam.com. For a … (0 comments)

2902 EAGLE LAKE DR, ORLANDO FL 32837 - 11:03 AM
 
 MLS# O4952522                      2902 EAGLE LAKE DR, ORLANDO FL 32837     $$$ 159,900 $$$
 
 
"Short Sale.  Well maintained home, priced to sell includes a good size in-ground pool that is screened plus a secondary screened area.  The 4th bedroom is on the master bedroom wing and best utilized as either a home office, nursery or playroom.
For the latest status on this property and many more like it in Orlando, contact Steve Glose with Keller Williams Realty direct at 407-616-7286 or visit www.thefloridalivingteam.com. For a faster reply you can also email me at steve@thefloridalivingteam.com .
… (0 comments)

14739 HARTFORD RUN DR, ORLANDO FL 32828 - 11:06 AM
 
 MLS# O4952138                  14739 HARTFORD RUN DR, ORLANDO FL 32828    $$$ 190,000 $$$

Purchase this property for as little as 3 percent down! This property is approved for HomePath Mortgage and HomePath Renovation Mortgage. Great house in a fabulous neighborhood! Spacious and open floor plan with plenty of room for the whole family. Large rooms and the master bath has a garden tub that is perfect for relaxing in after a hard days work! *If exact square footage or room size is a concern, unit should be independently measured.
For the latest status on this property and many more like … (1 comments)

Property Taxes Don't Always Tell You Want You Need to Hear - 07:24 AM
 
Property Tax Time....

    It's that time of year again...tax bills have been mailed and many homeowners elect to pay their taxes in full by year end and deduct them.  There may be an indication of assessed and fair market value on th bill.....and then the magic number  the homeowners pay the taxing authority .
     Whether it is an assessment, an appraisal gotten for insurance...for a home equity loan....the "fair market" value that the taxing authority uses... is a means to an end.  The end result is that government and the services that are funded by taxes need … (9 comments)

Winter Home Safety Tips by Jackie Connelly Fornuff - 07:56 AM
  Great tips to keep in mind during this snowy season....post them...check them off...make sure you are prepared for the Santa season !
Via Jackie Connelly-Fornuff (Coldwell Banker Residential - Babylon Long Island):
Winter Home Safety Tips
It's always good to remind everyone about winter safety in and out of the home.
FAMILY DISASTER PLAN
Meet with your family to create a plan. Pick two places to meet: a spot outside your home for an emergency such as fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you cannot return home (a real possibility during the day when adults are at … (3 comments)

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